K-State entomologist Jeff Whitworth says wasps help manage pest populations in gardens, fields and around the home.
Behind the Buzz
K-State entomologist offers insight on wasp species, benefits and safe control practices
At a glance: While wasps often raise alarm during outdoor activities, many species in Kansas are beneficial predators that help control garden and crop pests.
More information: Jeff Whitworth, jwhitwor@ksu.edu
Related: Agriculture Today | Household Pests of Kansas
August 1, 2025
By Chevy-Lynn Vaske, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — While wasps often get a bad reputation during summer picnics and yard work, not all are out to sting. In fact, many wasps are considered beneficial insects, helping to manage pest populations in gardens, fields and around the home, according to Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth.
“There are many different types of wasps in Kansas, but generally we group them into four main categories,” Whitworth said. “Two are social species that live in colonies, and two are solitary. All of them have their place in our ecosystem.”
Whitworth explained that the two species, often called paper wasps, build nests that resemble gray paper. Some species nest above ground, while others build their homes in the soil. These wasps often become noticeable during yardwork or when lifting hay bales or rocks.
“These wasps are usually non-aggressive,” Whitworth said. “If you disturb the nest, especially the underground kind, they’ll defend it just like a honeybee colony would.”
Unlike honeybees, which can sting only once, wasps can sting multiple times. Whitworth said that’s because female wasps don’t lose their stinger after using it.
“The female wasps are the hunters,” he said. “They sting caterpillars, grasshoppers or crickets to paralyze them and bring them back to their nest to feed their young. That’s why we consider them beneficial; they're natural predators of many garden pests.”
Solitary wasps, like mud daubers, also help manage insect populations.
“They build, fill and seal the nest, then move on. They don’t come back to check on it and they rarely bother people.”
Whitworth said most wasps are harmless when left alone. However, there are times when you may need to remove a nest.
“Whether it’s a paper nest under an eave or a burrow in the ground, you’ll have better success treating the site at night,” he said. “Many common household insecticides are labeled for wasps, and the goal is to eliminate the nest when the wasps are home.”
Even outdoor events can draw a wasp’s attention, especially those attracted to sugar.
“They’re drawn to anything with sugar,” Whitworth said. “If you’re having a picnic, keep those things (containing sugar) covered or contained. “
Ultimately, Whitworth emphasized that most of the time wasps are more misunderstood than menacing.
“They’re not out to get you,” he said. “They’re just doing their jobs. Unless disturbed, most of them won't bother you. They’re doing a service by helping control other pests.”
More information on controlling wasps around the home is available in the July 22 segment of the weekday K-State podcast, Agriculture Today.
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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.